June 17, 2015
When writing these blogs I usually cover fashion, travel or other related topics. But now, we’re into summer, when things loosen up a bit, so I’m going to explore a new line of thought: The Sandwich.
All cultures of the world have some version of this creation that was named after the fourth Earl of Sandwich in 1752. Overall, there are many different fillings and breads – but it all adds up to a sandwich.
The Earl of Sandwich
For example, there’s the jambon-beurre (ham and a crusty baguette) in Paris, the muffuletta (salami, provolone and sesame bread) in New Orleans and the katsu sando (fried pork and trimmed white bread) in Tokyo. Here are some personal favorites:
The jambon-beurre
ONE
The best beach sandwich I’ve ever had was at Megan’s Bay in St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands. A casual, on-the-beach spot offered a scrumptious BLT (crisp bacon, Boston lettuce and sliced tomato on toast) that was served in a container so it arrived in perfect shape when one carried it to a table. I ate it every day we were there. I’ve never seen this type of sandwich offered by a beach shack restaurant again.
Megan’s Bay, St. Thomas, The Virgin Islands
TWO
The greatest deli sandwich is at the Second Avenue Deli (no longer on Second Avenue) at 162 East 33rd Street in Manhattan. You ask for “extra lean” pastrami and it comes to you hot – without an ounce of fat – on rye bread. Makes my mouth water just writing this.
THREE
The finest tea sandwiches are served at the Bergdorf Goodman Restaurant on the 7th floor from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The term “teatime” is not quite right. It seemed like lunch to us because this three-tiered treat of tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones and petite sweets is very filling. Bonus: you sit in elegant, princess-style Porter chairs.
FOUR
The best “half” sandwiches are at Pret A Manger. George Clooney’s lovely wife Amal, caused a stir recently when it was revealed that she asks for “half portions” (and pays for full) when they dine out in Manhattan for dinner. Smart lady. There is a trend in Manhattan of serving oversize portions of everything: beverages, sandwiches, salads, entrees, you name it. My favorite Pret half-sandwich: the California Club.
FIVE
The tastiest ham sandwich is the one I make myself with French ham on ciabatta bread. Ham has many variations, but this is one of the best. And, I like ciabatta because it’s crusty outside and has lots of holes inside (cuts down on the “carb” guilt). Serve with potato chips and Bubbies bread-and-butter pickles.
A FUN BOOK FOR SUMMER READING – I spotted this new book in the library, where the title Of All the Gin Joints stopped me in my tracks. “Wait a minute,” I said to myself, “isn’t that the famous line from the movie, Casablanca?”
Yes, it is. Rick (played by Humphrey Bogart) says, “Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.” I won’t be a spoilsport and divulge the contents except to say that you won’t put it down once you start. Comedian Chelsea Handler sums it up nicely with, “This book is like being at the best dinner party in the world.”
MAY WE SUGGEST…
We’ve told you what to eat and read. Now, let ADEA add an extra punch to your summer with cool camis for the blistering, hot days ahead.
Shaun Nelson-Henrick
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October 22, 2020
I just read an article that sounded – to me at least – like “a canary in a coal mine” or an early warning of danger. This piece, written by Joe Pompeo, appeared in the May 2020 issue of Vanity Fair magazine with the title “The British Tabloid Invasion” and a subtitle that read, “How the Daily Mail is conquering American gossip.”
The paparazzi horde, La Dolce Vita, 1960 – photo courtesy of Vanity Fair
October 14, 2020
Apparently the good old U.S. is a nation of “not great” sleepers. Really? And I thought I was the only one! According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it was revealed that one out of three Americans are chronically sleep-deprived. Yikes!
October 06, 2020
I think we’re all taken by the incredible mystique of the famous French fashion house, Hermès that has been with us for two centuries and is still owned and operated by the same family. From its beginnings in fine equestrian leather goods, they are – in the tumultuous year 2020 – best known for their handbags and many other items.
My image of Hermès has always been rarified products at equally rarified prices so imagine my surprise when I recently received a very stylish publication of theirs in the mail.